YOU NEED ME

In that moment I realized the prince was toying with me. 

His eyes gleamed with enjoyment, like playing with a trapped mouse under his palm. 

He released me, and I took a deep breath to calm my raging heart. The prince gave me some space to straighten out my scattered thoughts. 

He went back to his comfy seat, and with a faint smile he said, "That's where you're wrong. I don't need you; I can always find someone to work for me."

I looked at the prince with a frown. "Someone with no influence from the palace. You need someone fully easy to control."

The prince nodded, and he said, "Yes, but I can tell you're a person with a strong mind, so I'll have to deal with that. It's better than dealing with a crybaby easily frightened."

His words brought a small warmth, but I shoved it down. It has no place here. I won't trust him. 

The prince smiled at me, and he said, "About that punishment, you'll walk outside until we reach the palace."